At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead planning strategy projects and engage with the community to shape local policies.
- Company: Join a progressive council in the vibrant Stroud District.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent pension, flexible working, and employee wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting transition in local government and enjoy career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong planning experience and clear communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 51356 - 51356 ÂŁ per year.
About the District
Stroud District is a truly exceptional place to live and work. With 50% of the district within a National Landscape, over 3,000 listed buildings, and internationally important wildlife sites, our district combines environmental quality with architectural heritage. It is a vibrant and desirable part of the south-west, offering a rich and inspiring setting for planners who want their work to make a visible difference.
Your next step in shaping and leading a transformative new Local Plan. Whether you are an experienced Principal Planning Officer seeking a fresh and meaningful challenge, or you're ready to step up into a role with real influence in a fantastic area like Stroud, this is an exceptional opportunity to help shape the future of one of the most distinctive districts in the country.
From day one, you will play a central role in driving forward a brandânew Local Plan within a progressive, forwardâthinking and genuinely supportive authority. We are seeking a proactive, motivated individual to lead and support colleagues within our Planning Strategy team, contributing directly to the vision, direction and delivery of the new Local Plan. You'll be part of a collaborative, wellâregarded service where your ideas will be welcomed, your expertise valued, and your professional growth supported.
This is a chance to work in an inspiring environment that will enable you to develop your career, strengthen your leadership skills, and build specialist expertise that will stay with you throughout your planning career. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong planning expertise who is ready to step confidently into a key role.
The role
- Lead on planning strategy plans and projects for the district including conducting surveys, public consultation exercises, collection, collation, analysis and presentation of data.
- Be responsible for ensuring an up-to-date and robust evidence base to underpin planning policies and strategies.
- Prepare evidence and present at public meetings, Council meetings, planning examinations, planning inquiries, planning appeals and exhibitions as required and to participate in and give evidence at such events when required by the Planning Strategy Manager.
- Liaise with other SDC departments and outside bodies to advise on planning policy matters.
- Attend and advise at meetings of outside bodies, such as Parish/Town Councils, when required by the Planning Strategy Manager.
- Provide policy consultation views and recommendations on planning applications and pre-applications in a timely, professional and consistent manner.
- Provide guidance and assistance to the Senior Planning Strategy Officers and other more junior staff.
- Represent the Council's views in dealing with enquiries regarding the application of planning policy, legislation and other related matters.
- Attend and report to meetings of the Council, Strategy and Resource and Strategic Planning Advisory Board as required.
- To undertake 1-2-1's and line management role with senior level members of the team as required.
About you
- RTPI membership.
- Strong planning experience.
- Clear communication skills and a collaborative approach.
- Emerging or proven line management ability.
- Strong problemâsolving skills and commitment to highâquality customer service.
- Ability to prioritise and manage your workload effectively.
If you're enthusiastic, proactive and ready to lead, we will support you in strengthening your management and people skills through identified training and learning.
INTERVIEW DATE: 2ND OR 3RD JUNE
Want to find out more? If you'd like to chat about the role, the team, or whether this could be the right next step for you, please contact Tom Ridley, Interim Planning Strategy Manager.
In exchange for your expertise, experience and enthusiasm we provide a range of staff benefits.
It is important that our staff reflect the diversity of our community, and we therefore welcome and encourage applications from people of all genders and sexual orientation, those from Black, Asian and other minority ethnic backgrounds, and people with disabilities.
Responsible recruitment practices for safeguarding are in place within the Council's HR policies and processes. This is part of our commitment as a Council to safeguard the welfare of vulnerable adults, young people, and children.
Stroud District has an energy unlike any other place. It's green and dynamic, climate conscious and motivated, creative and collaborative, and unapologetically ambitious.
To find out more about what makes our place, our people and our businesses so special, please follow the link to our dedicated website: Stroud District â The Natural Place.
Salary: *GBP*51,356 per annum
Package: Excellent pension scheme - Flexi Working Scheme - Hybrid working approach - Employee Wellbeing Offer.
Contractual hours: 37
Basis: Permanent
Principal Planning Strategy Officer - Ebley Mill - Stroud in Harrow on the Hill employer: Stroud District Council
Contact Detail:
Stroud District Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Principal Planning Strategy Officer - Ebley Mill - Stroud in Harrow on the Hill
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the planning sector, especially those connected to Stroud District. Attend local events or webinars to make connections and get your name out there.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's current projects and challenges. Show them youâre not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a difference in the community.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You might need to present at public meetings or council sessions, so being confident and clear will set you apart from other candidates.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Planning Strategy Officer - Ebley Mill - Stroud in Harrow on the Hill
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Show Your Passion for Planning: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for planning shine through! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles and why you're excited about shaping the future of Stroud District.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we're looking for in a Principal Planning Strategy Officer.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and overly complex sentences. We want to see your communication skills in action, so make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and ideas.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures that we receive all the necessary information and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it's the best way to stay updated on your progress!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stroud District Council
â¨Know Your Planning Strategies
Make sure you brush up on the latest planning strategies and policies relevant to Stroud District. Familiarise yourself with the current Local Plan and any upcoming changes, as this will show your genuine interest and preparedness for the role.
â¨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Principal Planning Strategy Officer, clear communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex planning issues in the past, whether in public meetings or through written reports. This will demonstrate your ability to engage with various stakeholders.
â¨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Be ready to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Think of specific instances where you've led a team or project, especially in a planning context. Highlight how you supported colleagues and contributed to their professional growth, aligning with the council's collaborative ethos.
â¨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Anticipate questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you approached them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, showcasing your analytical thinking and commitment to high-quality service.